Used Mercedes-Benz V-Class 2014-present review

The only sporty thing about the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is the fact that it's used as transport by Formula 1 drivers. But that’s fine, since the buyers of this van-derived MPV just want lots of space, luxury and a premium badge – all of which it delivers with the same ease as it does Lewis Hamilton from his five-star hotel to the paddock.

In the normal world, you might be looking at the V-Class as a seven or eight-seater that can compete with the likes of the Citroën Spacetourer and Volkswagen Caravelle, or even cars such as the Ford Galaxy.

The V-Class is available with a choice of diesel engines: a 161bhp unit in the V220d and a 187bhp one in the V250d. Both come attached to a slick eight-speed automatic gearbox, which does its best to quieten down the sometimes gruff engines by quickly shifting into higher gears.

The V-Class drives in a slightly uncouth, van-like manner, with very noticeable body roll at all speeds. The slow-witted steering doesn’t help; it makes the V-Class feel ponderous along country lanes, because you’re never completely certain of what the front wheels are up to. So, the V-Class is at its best on straight sections of motorway, where wind and road noise are surprisingly well suppressed, although the ride is quite bouncy whatever the speed and sends shudders through to the interior over prominent bumps. The Galaxy and Seat Alhambra are far more cultured in all situations.

Inside is where the V-Class starts to win points back, because the quality of its controls and materials is more akin to that of a luxury car than a commercial vehicle. Apart from a complicated infotainment system, the interior is logically laid out. The high driving position affords a great view out, the side windows are nice and deep and the big door mirrors mean you can clearly see approaching traffic along either flank.

Those in the rear will appreciate the ease of access provided by the enormous sliding doors, especially in tight parking spots. You can have either two captains chairs in the second row and three seats in the back or three chairs across each row. They’re all on runners that allow them to slide, swivel and fold in a multitude of ways, but they're very bulky and difficult to remove.

Boot space is compromised if you go for the seven-seat, short-wheelbase V-Class, so big families might need to go for the larger eight-seat, long-wheelbase version instead.

At the time of writing, prices for a used Mercedes-Benz V-Class start at £28,000. To keep up to date with used V-Class prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Check the value of a used Mercedes-Benz V-Class with What Car? Valuations

It won’t be particularly cheap to run a V-Class, but then that’s hardly surprising.

The short-wheelbase V220d gets the best fuel economy, with an NEDC combined figure of 49.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 149g/km, while the long-wheelbase V250d is understandably the least efficient, at 44.8mpg and 166g/km.

Any V-Class registered after 1 April 2017 will pay road tax under the current flat rate system. There's also a surcharge of £310 applied to those that were worth £40,000 or more when new. This applies from the second year the car is taxed until the sixth.

Servicing at Mercedes-Benz dealerships isn’t cheap, so it might be worth looking for an independent specialist if you want to keep the costs down.

Standard equipment on entry-level SE examples is actually very good, including front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, heated leather front seats, cruise control and sat-nav. Sport is a little better, providing full LED headlights, headlight washers and upgraded Nappa leather upholstery. AMG Line is more of a styling package, because it adds bigger (19in) alloy wheels, sporty exterior trinkets and carbonfibre-look interior trim pieces.

On the whole, a Sport model is the best choice, because it gets you lots of kit without being more expensive than an SE on the used market.

We’d also suggest splashing out to get the V250d, because its extra power will come in handy when you have a full complement of passengers on board. You’ll definitely want it if you go for the long-wheelbase eight-seat version, due to the additional weight.

Our favourite Mercedes-Benz V-Class: V250d Sport

The Seat Alhambra and Volkswagen Sharan are closely related to one another and equally excellent alternatives to the V-Class. Like the Mercedes, they have plenty of space for seven passengers and sliding rear doors.

The Ford Galaxy is much cheaper than the V-Class, but it isn’t quite as practical for really large families. It is far nicer to drive, though.

Also take a look at the Citroën Spacetourer. It's huge inside and you can get a 2018 example for less than £20,000, making it exceptional value.

If you want something almost as posh as the V-Class and equally imposing, try the Volkswagen Caravelle. There are plenty of potent diesel engines available, along with either a slick six-speed manual or swift six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter here